The heat is on

Wednesday

Jul 19, 2017 at 6:09 PMJul 19, 2017 at 10:09 PM

Even though it's going to be hot the next few days, there's little chance that we'll break the record high temperature for Kansas: 121 degrees Fahrenheit. That was set on July 24, 1936 in Alton. As you may recall, those were also the Dust Bowl days. So just imagine temperatures even hotter than were having [...]

brandoncase

Even though it's going to be hot the next few days, there's little chance that we'll break the record high temperature for Kansas: 121 degrees Fahrenheit. That was set on July 24, 1936 in Alton. As you may recall, those were also the Dust Bowl days. So just imagine temperatures even hotter than were having this week combined with dust storms that find a way to seep into your house, no matter how hard you try to prevent the infiltration.It's really not that bad, folks. After all, it's summer, and it's supposed to be hot in Kansas.1936 was definitely a hot year in the state, but, for Wichita residents at least, 2011 had more 100 degree days (53) compared to 1936 (50).Let's just hope that 2017 doesn't set any new records. So far, it doesn't appear that this will happen.If the summer heat has you grumbling, just try to remember the beautiful spring just passed. Pleasant days and cool nights were the norm, even if there were a few hot days here and there. As a general rule, whatever the weather is, at least half of the people will wish it were otherwise. As for me, I'm definitely a fall guy. I like to say, 'Fall is the reward for surviving the Kansas summer.'Anyway, summer is here to stay for couple more months, so I hope you will find a way to enjoy it. There's always the swimming pool, or the Ninnescah River, or a garden hose tied up to tree branch to create a fountain into which you can cool down and water the yard at the same time.The heat brings bugs, and you may be lucky to spot some multi or brightly colored bug that looks like it would be more at home in the Amazon rain forest.. Some people don't like all of the insects that come with summer, but, thankfully, the average insect's lifespan is relatively short. Anyway, being an entomologist who inventories a square mile somewhere on a Kansas summer day would be a quite interesting experience.That's enough though of these summer wanderings. Enjoy the summer. If that's difficult for you to do, you can always stay inside and read a good book next to the window unit or in front of an air-conditioning vent.